Scotch College

Scotch Rugby heads North

A major preseason highlight for 29 of Scotch's senior rugby players was a visit to Queensland's Gold Coast, for training and a visit to a Super 12 rugby game between the Queensland Reds and the Northern Bulls (South Africa). The camp was held at the Super Sports Centre at Runaway Bay. It was a great venue, tailormade for a productive six days of intensive rugby training.

Prior to leaving for the Gold Coast, a combined open side played Guildford Grammar School from Perth, beating the WA side 430. Scotch parents and boys billeted the opposition players, and strengthened our existing friendship with the Perth school.

At Runaway Bay, the boys were privileged to have Alec Evans (Queensland Reds' coach as well as an exinternational coach) plus Andrew Heath (Scotch Old Boy and ACT Brumbies/Australian forward) as specialist coaches. A combined team of 1st and 2nd XV players defeated the Gold Coast Eagles U17 side 260. This was an excellent start, and an opportunity for many players to put their hands up for possible 1st XV consideration.

The camp provided a great focus and ideal preparation before the season officially started.

• The 1st XV and 2nd XV Rugby open teams competing in a round robin tournament at Geelong Grammar. Both teams won their respective finals; and
• A visit by Eddie Jones (coach of the Australian Wallabies' team) and Matt Rodgers (who plays for the Wallabies and NSW Waratahs) for a question and answer session attended by the 1st XV and selected U16 players.

Other early season highlights included:

1. Wallaby Coach Eddie Jones and Matt Rodgers.

2. Andrew Heath works the forwards on the scrummaging machine.

3. Three Towers: Richard MacDonald (No.5), Alex Campbell (No4) and the Geelong Grammar Tower.

4. Mitch Earle (c) collects the Geelong 15 a side Competition Trophy.

5. The after match against Guildford Grammar,

6. James Coper and company enjoy a Super 12 game at Ballymore.

7. Alec Evans takes a Scotch Training Session.